CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE "F" WORD?

Confronting Fluoride Fears with Facts from PA Coalition for Oral Health

DELMONT, Pa., June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to health, the real "F-word" isn't fluoride — it's fear, specifically fear caused by the lies circulating about this mineral.

For more than 80 years, water systems across the US have been adjusting the level of naturally occurring levels of fluoride in water and the practice of doing so remains one of the most cost-effective, accessible, impactful, and evidence-based tools for preventing tooth decay for all ages. Named one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century — and for good reason —  slightly raising the natural fluoride levels in our water continues to protect Pennsylvanians. In fact, a recent study showed that Pennsylvania students without access to fluoridated water were nearly two thirds more likely to have cavities and tooth decay than their peers who did.

Despite overwhelming evidence of its benefits and safety, misconceptions about fluoride persist. One of the most common is that water fluoridation is the same as "mass medication." In reality, fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral and is found in all natural water sources. In Pennsylvania, we adjust the level so there is a bit more than naturally occurs for health benefits; in some other states, they adjust their levels lower because their natural levels are a little high.

Equally misleading are claims that fluoridated water causes harm to your health, often based on studies examining fluoride exposure at levels at least twice the recommended 0.7 mg/L found in drinking water in the US. These studies are frequently misrepresented in the news, ignoring the fact that health concerns appear only when fluoride is double or even triple the maximum level allowed in the U.S. There is nothing to fear; fluoride is closely monitored and regulated. Water systems work hard to make sure the water they provide is safe, clean, and follows all regulations.

While some areas of the U.S. have abundant levels of natural fluoride, Pennsylvania's water has less fluoride than we need. Fluoridated water addresses this by raising the level of fluoride to the optimal level of 0.7 mg/L to provide protection against tooth decay. More than 60% of Pennsylvanians have access to fluoridated drinking water, which is carefully regulated by water systems to ensure safety and effectiveness.

This is similar to other supplements of vitamins and minerals in our diet. Just as we add vitamin D to milk to prevent osteoporosis, folic acid to cereal to prevent birth defects, and iodine to salt to prevent thyroid disease, we adjust fluoride levels in water to prevent tooth decay.

We must not let fear overshadow facts. Fluoride is not a threat — it's a proven health success. The real danger lies in the spread of false information that undermines trust in science and puts ourselves at risk of preventable disease.

Let's keep the "F-word" — fear — out of the conversation and stick to what we know about fluoride: it works. Fluoridated water helps everyone in a community; it's safe, cost-effective, and remains one of the simplest ways to prevent cavities.

Pennsylvania Coalition for Oral Health (PCOH) serves as the dynamic leading voice to improve oral health across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PCOH promotes oral health workforce development, advocates for community water fluoridation, and advances and advocates for oral health policy and infrastructure across all systems. By bringing together a diverse group of leaders from across the state from schools of public health, philanthropic organizations, businesses, dental organizations, health insurance firms, advocacy organizations, state agencies, and other champions, PCOH has built a powerful coalition of more than 1,000 individual and organizational stakeholders. Learn more at www.paoralhealth.org.

SOURCE PA Coalition for Oral Health